tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64339225222494432882024-03-08T10:29:24.659-06:00Cable-TiteBefore You Board It Up - Tie It DownDalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-58575220726561875742011-10-10T10:48:00.007-05:002011-10-10T11:26:54.217-05:00American Made!Quite often I am asked where "Cable-Tite" is made. The answer: Gallatin, Tennessee. You may wonder why a foundry in Gallatin TN manufactures a hurricane tie-down system that's used in high wind regions outside of Gallatin TN.<br /><br />We are first of all, a foundry, started in the 1950's making steel parts for a number of industries, including military, automotive, aircraft, and nuclear plants. A new home builder came to us to solve the problem of hurricane tie-down systems that were either difficult to install or lacked hold-down capabilities.<br /><br />As a result, our engineers patented this cable tie-down system for uplift protection to meet a demand for better protection than current systems that use stamped aluminum hurricane clips or threaded rods. At Cable-Tite we love to say that we exceed codes, that we are better than we have to be, and "that it's not <em>tight</em>, until it's Cable Tite"<br /><br />The three steel parts, the anchor nut, the anchor cap, and the top plate are made from poured steel in our foundry, the same basic steel materials used for tanks and machine guns. Steel, poured at 2800 degrees, not stamped out aluminum clips. The cable vises are made for us in Chicago.<br /><br />So, when we say "Made in America" it is!!! Buy America!!!!Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-80477560284249362902011-06-30T14:16:00.003-05:002011-06-30T14:29:44.179-05:00<a href="http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/improvement/interior/8-ways-to-protect-your-home-against-tornadoes-and-hurricanes-cable-tite-pin-down-your-home#fbIndex6">http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/improvement/interior/8-ways-to-protect-your-home-against-tornadoes-and-hurricanes-cable-tite-pin-down-your-home#fbIndex6</a><br /><br />Thank you, Popular Mechanics, for including us as one of the 8 ways to secure your home from high wind uplift in hurricane winds. This is a great article.Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-25684119346347360562011-06-28T10:03:00.003-05:002011-06-28T10:30:59.378-05:00Retro-fit???I receive many phone calls about using Cable-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tite</span> to"retro-fit" for wind storm protection. It seems that homeowners are keenly aware that their homes were not adequately constructed 10, 15, 20, 30 yrs ago. They currently have no high wind uplift protection from hurricanes or other straight-line winds. So, they call me....<br /><br />First of all, I am thrilled that they have watched the Cable-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tite</span> video, read the Cable-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tite</span> information, and want the best, most robust tie-down system available. The question is about the possibility of retro-fitting their current home. Cable-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tite</span> is designed for new home construction. However, if the home owner is willing to make the effort, then, yes, Cable-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tite</span> can be used for retro-fit.<br /><br />But, it's a lot of work. You need to have access to the foundation with the anchor bolts and to the top plate, and the area between the studs needs to be open. Cable-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tite</span> is only installed in the outside walls, so there's no need to open the interior walls. Retro-fitting with Cable-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tite</span> is easiest during a remodeling project. Usually the walls are open which gives you easy access to the foundation and top plate and allows you to tighten the cable tightly and properly.<br /><br />Sometimes the home owners are frustrated with the amount of effort and cost there is to retro-fit for high wind protection. Of the 8 high wind protection systems on the market, all require you to open the walls for proper installation. When you think about what you are trying to do...that is, secure the top plate to the foundation, you realize that you have to have access to both them.<br /><br />I applaud those home owners who see the need and spend the time and effort to install a secure high-wind protection system, and who realize Cable-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tite</span> is the best and the easiest to install. Remember that your home is only as secure as the system you install.<br /><br />For any reading this that are contemplating new home construction.....<strong><em>please</em></strong>.....insist on installing Cable-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Tite</span> soon after the roof is installed, and while the walls are still open.<br /><br />If you are considering a retro-fit, call me for advice and tips.Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-6530129782981255402011-04-29T15:18:00.002-05:002011-04-29T15:43:41.540-05:00Tornado in Cleveland TN.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BeqQBz_rkQA/Tbsd0eQq9iI/AAAAAAAAARw/UIfohXSSuTo/s1600/Gregfoundation%2Binsert.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 173px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601103348878734882" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BeqQBz_rkQA/Tbsd0eQq9iI/AAAAAAAAARw/UIfohXSSuTo/s320/Gregfoundation%2Binsert.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbJ1cR-mZwQ/Tbsd0WhmvII/AAAAAAAAARo/5bcRHMiMfW8/s1600/Gregfoundation.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601103346802277506" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbJ1cR-mZwQ/Tbsd0WhmvII/AAAAAAAAARo/5bcRHMiMfW8/s320/Gregfoundation.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Wednesday afternoon a tornado touched down in Cleveland TN, near my daughter's house. She sent me a photo of damages to a house nearby. I am posting it because this is a classical mistake in building codes, and a mistake that Cable-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">tite</span> can correct. Look at the close-up on the left of the foundation. Notice that the top block is still attached to the house. This is because the anchor bolts were set in the top row. They held......but what didn't hold was the mortar joint. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The sad part is that this house is built "to codes". At Cable-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">tite</span>, we have pushed to build "beyond codes". If the builder had installed the anchor bolts into the footers (or slab) and attached Cable-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">tite</span> to them with extended cable attached to the top plate, this problem would have been avoided. The cost during construction for Cable-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">tite</span> could have been approximately $1000, and the house would have been secure.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Cable-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">tite</span> is not considered tornado protection. A heavier wind would have destroyed the house with or without Cable-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">tite</span>. But in this particular case, it would have saved the house.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For builders reading this.....please.....sink the anchor bolts into the footers, <em>EVEN</em> if you chose not to use our products. There is virtually no cost for doing that. Call me and I'll help guide you in building a more secure home.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Homeowners.....ask for Cable-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">tite</span> by name. Cable-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">tite</span> is the leader in hurricane protection and straight line winds that create uplift. This most recent flurry of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tornadoes</span> had straight-line winds, some over 100 MPH in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Tennessee.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Cable-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">tite</span> is concerned about your safety.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-68443203821262069762011-02-21T17:15:00.003-06:002011-02-21T17:32:20.496-06:00Housing starts up in January 2011<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1XS70bCLmQ/TWL0MQpFSKI/AAAAAAAAARQ/ETtaSP8CGog/s1600/DSC_0697.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576287780100982946" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P1XS70bCLmQ/TWL0MQpFSKI/AAAAAAAAARQ/ETtaSP8CGog/s320/DSC_0697.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>"Housing starts up 14% in January to 596,000 units. The U.S. home building industry beat market forecasts in January, as starts rose 14.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 596,000 units — the highest level since September 2010, according to the U.S. Commerce Department."</div><div> </div><div>More good news for the new home construction industry....housing starts up again. We continue to see a recovery, which everyone loves to hear. We are not back to 2007 housing start rates, but at least better than 2009 and 2010.</div><div> </div><div>At Cable-tite, we are proud to be part of the hurricane and high-wind uplift protection used in new homes in the wind zone regions. Thanks for using our cable tie-down system in your engineered designs. Remember...."it's not tight, until it's Cable-tite"</div><div> </div><div>Architects, Engineers, Contractors, and Home Owners: Please call us for advise or help with your wind protection questions.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-37644011026411361962011-01-11T11:27:00.002-06:002011-01-11T11:54:26.333-06:00Multi-generational HousingIn early 2007, housing took a downturn, and still today isn't near the 2006 levels for new home construction. However, the demand for housing did not decrease. That is, new households continue to be established at the same rate. The problem felt nationwide was that the new household didn't have the funds to purchase either an existing home, or a new home. The trend for two households to share the same dwelling is increasing.<br /><br />But, this is nothing new. In 1900, 57% of homes had two or more households of multi-generational families living together. Quite often there were persons over 65 living with their extended family. With the post-war boom through the end of the century, the percentage decreased to approximately 16%. However, since 2000, there has been a 30% growth in multi-generational family dwellings.<br /><br />What does all this mean? It means that architects and new home builders are reconsidering the master plan to include space for either returning children called "boomerang" kids or older parents. This often includes two master bedrooms, one level housing, finished space in either the attic or the basement, or even a "suite". Some small families are including a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">separate</span> living space for rental income. Builders are referring to the added or finished space as "Residence Two".<br /><br />At Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tite</span> we realize that whatever the housing trends are, there is still a need for high-wind uplift protection. Maybe even more so with more lives to protect. Don't overlook the need for a continuous tie-down from the anchor bolts to the top plate. The Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tite</span> system is the only hurricane tie-down system to offer "continuous" tie-downs, and it exceeds new home construction code requirements.Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-57534193371597935642010-12-20T11:36:00.003-06:002010-12-20T11:47:51.419-06:00Housing starts are UPLet's not overlook any positive news in housing starts. A report just out shows that new home construction starts are on the increase. <br /><br /><em>"Privately-owned housing starts in November were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 555,000 — 3.9 percent above the revised October estimate, </em><a href="http://www.census.gov/pub/const/newresconst.pdf" target="_blank" jquery1292866351877="63"><em>according to the Commerce Dept.</em></a><br /><em>Single-family housing starts in November were at an annual rate of 465,000, up 6.9 percent from the revised October figure of 435,000. The November rate for units in buildings with five units or more was 72,000. "</em><br /><em><br /><br /></em><em></em>The details of the report show that increases were substantial in the high wind regions. Jacksonville, NC had the best increase of all US cities. More housing means more demand for high wind uplift protection from hurricane winds. And, more demand for <strong><em>Cable-Tite</em></strong> brand cable tie down systems. For those of you following this Blog, make sure you are engineering Cable-Tite into your new home construction.Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-6089025324423786182010-12-06T10:34:00.003-06:002010-12-06T10:42:56.029-06:00Don't eliminate the mortgage tax deductionYou may not know that there is a proposal to eliminate the mortgage tax deduction. This is among the efforts to eliminate all tax deductions. As for the home builders and the construction industry, the mortgage tax deduction is critical for the growth of this market segment. As I have mentioned in previous blogs, we support new home construction. It is one tradition that has meant economical growth for decades. At Cable-tite, we do not want to see this deduction eliminated, and support NAHB and many other agencies who are fighting this proposal. Please do you part to let it be known that we need to keep the home owner mortgage deduction! <a href="http://www.savemymortgageinterestdeduction.com/">http://www.savemymortgageinterestdeduction.com/</a> The consequences would be devastating for home owners, the housing market and the nation’s economy.Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-79248412077467935942010-11-24T08:32:00.006-06:002010-11-24T08:57:09.791-06:00The case FOR home ownership<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/TO0iNZ9eP0I/AAAAAAAAAQo/6HLi7G6Kmcc/s1600/Time.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543124330065313602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 242px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/TO0iNZ9eP0I/AAAAAAAAAQo/6HLi7G6Kmcc/s320/Time.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.nbnnews.com/NBN/issues/2010-09-06/Front+Page/#" target="_self"></a><a href="http://www.nbnnews.com/NBN/issues/2010-09-06/Front+Page/#" target="_self"></a></div><br /><p>TIME magazine published a story in Sept 6, 2010 issue about the loss of the American dream of home ownership. Not only was it a discouraging article, it was <strong>wrong!</strong> There is nothing more central to the American way of life than home ownership, and that dream is just as alive today as ever. Young couples can take advantage of the lower interest rates to make home ownership affordable. It gives them a root for growing their families and establishing a stable community.</p><p>TIME looked at home ownership as an investment, from a financial side. True that prices haven't escalated as in the past, but it is still a sound investment. A home is far more than a financial investment. It is an investment in the family, which still today, is the American Dream.</p><p>Home building has a strong economic impact on the local economy. This is why Obama and the economic stimulus package gives rebates and tax credits to new buyers. The growth of new home construction, some say, will have the greatest impact on overall American economic recovery. Home owners paying real estate taxes are the primary source of local government funds. More home owners, more money in the local ecomony for better schools, better roads, better community!</p><p>Studies show that home owners are keeping their houses longer. Therefore, it would make more sense to build a better, more secure home. Spend a few extra dollars to build beyond codes. that includes adding the best hurricane tie-down system available, Cable-Tite. It was designed by engineers to exceed construction codes for protection from high wind uplift by using cables attached from the top plate to the anchor bolts for maximum protection.</p><p>Buy a new home with confidence about your investment in your family and your future, and insist on Cable-Tite uplift protection.</p>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-15074275943585626292010-11-19T14:00:00.000-06:002010-11-23T14:09:31.287-06:00Dale Returns.....Some of you are probably wondering why there haven't been any recent blogs about the goings-on at Cable-tite. I was gone for a few months working on another unrelated project. But, alas.....I'm back, and continuing to post about all the benefits of using the Cable-tite system of hurricane tie-downs for new home construction uplift protection in high wind regions. I will continue to tout the benefits and ease of using Cable-tite over traditional hurricane clips or threaded rods. Your comments are always welcome whether you are a home owner, new home builder, an architect, or an engineer. "<strong><em>Cable-tite - exceeding codes</em></strong>"Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-38802798344316478832010-07-13T10:09:00.009-05:002010-07-13T10:40:31.297-05:00Brian Harris Homes - block foundations<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/TDyDovbH-bI/AAAAAAAAAPg/f-jH4zsKqbQ/s1600/DSC_0126.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493410381433403826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/TDyDovbH-bI/AAAAAAAAAPg/f-jH4zsKqbQ/s320/DSC_0126.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/TDyEF-BNHzI/AAAAAAAAAPo/INKSNwPu3BQ/s1600/DSC_0129.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493410883567427378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/TDyEF-BNHzI/AAAAAAAAAPo/INKSNwPu3BQ/s320/DSC_0129.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>From time to time we have questions about using Cable-tite as hurricane and high wind tie-down protection with block foundations. There is a little more work to anchor the top plate to the foundation anchor bolts, but it can be done.</div><br /><div>I recently worked with Matt Harris at Brian Harris Homes, a new home builder in middle Tennessee. One thing I liked that Harris did was core fill the block to the footer. This offers much better hold down value than blocks with only the top block filled.</div><br /><div>After the house was framed and roofed, I went to the crawl space and installed the anchor nut and cap. I drilled a 3/8 hole for the cable, then attached it to the top plate as standard installation. I crawled back under the house and locked the Cable-tite firmly in place.</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/TDyF7brQEPI/AAAAAAAAAP0/mwBO2wvMcqs/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493412901573103858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/TDyF7brQEPI/AAAAAAAAAP0/mwBO2wvMcqs/s320/DSC_0054.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/TDyGW2pKL4I/AAAAAAAAAP8/Q6g1YbJEWEc/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493413372668555138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/TDyGW2pKL4I/AAAAAAAAAP8/Q6g1YbJEWEc/s320/DSC_0060.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/TDyGlDnZiyI/AAAAAAAAAQE/sevYg2BgIFY/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5493413616669002530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/TDyGlDnZiyI/AAAAAAAAAQE/sevYg2BgIFY/s320/DSC_0061.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>NOTE: See the small blue electrical wire sticking through the floor above the drill in the photo above? I drilled a small 1/8" hole in the subfloor and used the blue wire to mark my place. Upstairs, I drilled the 3/8" hole for the cable. This is much easier when working in a small crawl space.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>In this photo of the finished installation, note that the anchor nut, cap and cable vise are not seen. They are in the crawl space below.</div></div></div></div></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-17887772926510340032010-06-16T14:43:00.021-05:002010-07-13T10:08:35.123-05:00Texas ranch house update<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/TBkqTQ4uVRI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/RklU51bMXCE/s1600/Bear+Creek+011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483460531739055378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 263px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/TBkqTQ4uVRI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/RklU51bMXCE/s320/Bear+Creek+011.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/TBkqTBgxBTI/AAAAAAAAAPI/fc5LVT7Rc-o/s1600/Bear+Creek+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483460527612036402" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 344px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/TBkqTBgxBTI/AAAAAAAAAPI/fc5LVT7Rc-o/s320/Bear+Creek+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>A In January, I had the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">privilege</span> of working with an Austin TX builder and a home owner. We installed Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tite</span> in a ranch house. It was a magnificent home site, and a well-designed house.</div><div>Here are some photos of the house in May, and it's coming along quite nicely. </div><div></div><div>The first photo shows columns on the back of the house with lights installed in them. There are two Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tite</span> hurricane tie-down systems in each column. I installed them after the columns were framed. The beauty of Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tite</span> is that everything is hidden inside the walls. No one sees the uplift protection Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tite</span> offers, but the home owner feels safe knowing they are there.</div><div></div><div>The second photo shows small columns on the front porch. There is a 4x4 post holding the roof, and Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tite</span> in installed beside it to an anchor bolt. The post hold the roof up, and the cable holds the roof down. The tension of approximately 600 lbs. holds the cable, so the system is in constant compression, on a sunny day like this day, or in high-winds and stormy weather.</div><div></div><div>In addition to Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tite</span> throughout the perimeter walls for the house, there are metal hurricane clips securing every rafter to the top plate.</div><div></div><div>Thanks to the home owner, the builder, the engineer, and the architect for using Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Tite</span> to exceed the construction codes for hurricane tie-down systems.</div><div></div></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-12643501892080025012010-05-25T10:47:00.012-05:002010-05-25T11:44:07.328-05:00A better foundation!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/S_v9viVDCaI/AAAAAAAAAO0/mahda1MEmfo/s1600/DSC_0116.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475248765109733794" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/S_v9viVDCaI/AAAAAAAAAO0/mahda1MEmfo/s320/DSC_0116.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/S_v9WysasyI/AAAAAAAAAOs/raCMIGwIPZE/s1600/DSC_0125.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475248340005991202" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/S_v9WysasyI/AAAAAAAAAOs/raCMIGwIPZE/s320/DSC_0125.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Building a better foundation is the philosophy of Matt Harris with Harris Homes, new home builders. Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tite</span> is working with him to install our hurricane and high wind tie-down systems in a new home for Tonya and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Chaz</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jetton</span>.</div><br /><br /><p>My big complaint has been that most of the time the anchor bolt is only secured in the top block of the foundation. This makes the weakest part of the tie-downs the mortar joint between the top block and the one below it. As you can see in the right photo above, the mason is filling the entire cell with mortar, all the way to the footer. He also uses an 18" anchor bolt which secures it to the second block. This creates a much better foundation with which to attach the Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">tite</span> anchor nut. For Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tite</span> to work correctly, the elements surrounding installation need to be strong. Harris believes the same, and proves it by filling the block. Thanks! Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">tite</span> will attach to the anchor bolt then connect to the top plate for the ultimate in uplift protection.</p><br /><br /><p>In the left photo you will notice that some of the anchor bolts are not perfectly straight. That is not a problem for Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">tite</span> because of the flexibility of the cable. It would not work with threaded rods.</p>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-1452474178888453392010-05-04T11:30:00.004-05:002010-05-04T11:51:19.335-05:00Floods in Tennessee - May 1-2For those reading this blog living in Tennessee, you know all about "The Flood" of 2010. Very difficult to absorb and comprehend. Our hearts go out to those who had losses, and wish them Godspeed in their recovery.<br /><br />On Saturday afternoon the non-stop broadcast showed a spot on the weather map and told those residents living near there to expect "shear winds" as strong as 100 MPH. The weatherman followed that warning for an hour or so as these high winds traveled across middle Tennessee.<br /><br />So many new home builders, architects, and engineers say that Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tite</span> is not needed in the "non" wind zones, and so often I say "what if". This weekend that "what if" came true. Winds at 100 MPH are the same as a Category 2 hurricane. Codes in non wind regions do not require tie-downs. Even though this is somewhat rare, what if it were your house in the path shown on that weather map? Wouldn't you be thankful your builder installed Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Tite</span>.<br /><br />Middle Tennessee locals will recall the video of the school portable floating down Interstate 24 near Bell Road. WOW!!!! If they had used Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tite</span> to anchor it to it's foundation, it would not have floated away.<br /><br />If you are reading this and building outside the high-wind regions of the US, please.....consider Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tite</span> for your safety.Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-77959296184794915292010-03-30T08:48:00.002-05:002010-03-30T08:54:38.655-05:00WKRN Channel 2 News story<a href="http://www.wkrn.com/global/story.asp?s=12223631">http://www.wkrn.com/global/story.asp?s=12223631</a>#<br /><br />(video on website)<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">GALLATIN</span>, Tenn. - A <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gallatin</span> company has designed a system that may keep homes in one piece during high winds.<br /><a href="http://www.cabletite.com/">Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tite</span></a> installs high tension cables within the walls of new construction homes. The cables are anchored in the foundation and tied to the roof.<br />"What we're trying to do is hold the roof to the foundation," Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Tite's</span> Dale Richardson explained. "We want to keep the square of the top plate and the bottom plate and the walls as a cube and hold it together."<br />The science behind Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Tite</span> is that if the home is kept squared, with the roof intact, the construction can withstand higher sustained winds and wind gusts.<br />Richardson said, "When you have high winds, it's trying to push the roof off the top of the house and when the roof goes up, then the walls fall over."<br />Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tite</span> has only been in business for two years and has done most of its work so far along the Gulf Coast and in Houston, Texas.<br />As for costs, according to Richardson, in "most houses, it's going to be maybe 1% of the total cost, if you're talking a $200,000 home, maybe $1,200 to $1,500."<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Gallatin</span> builder Fred Yates told News 2 he wouldn't think of building another house without Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Tite</span>.<br />He's currently including the system in a massive upper-scale home on Old Hickory Lake.<br />"Anytime [the wind] starts whipping up, you can see it can get under that roof and lift it up," he said. "If you don't have something holding it down, it can tear it right off."<br />Yates said he can see the system gaining popularity quickly among other builders who build upscale homes, and once others see the benefit, the cable system will be in demand in mid-priced houses.<br />"This system will probably not withstand a Category 5 [Hurricane], but nothing will, but the peripheral winds, the ones that are 60, 70, 90 miles per hour, you don't have a problem," he said. "It'll hold it down.<br />Richardson said the system has been lab tested to withstand winds of up to 90 miles per hour, but so far, none of the homes where the system has been installed have been tested by Mother Nature's highest winds.Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-90024337181611329382010-03-23T10:19:00.005-05:002010-03-23T11:01:43.210-05:00Got the Blues????<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/S6jc6f20eGI/AAAAAAAAAOM/0Zhl5vnRWvA/s1600-h/shackrow16.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451850246473939042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/S6jc6f20eGI/AAAAAAAAAOM/0Zhl5vnRWvA/s320/shackrow16.jpg" border="0" /></a> Today's blog is a little different, but informative. As you know, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Gallatin</span>, TN is the home of Cable-T<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ite</span>. But did you know <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Clarksdale</span>, Mississippi is the home of the Blues. Check it out! <a href="http://www.shackupinn.com/">http://www.shackupinn.com/</a><br /><br />And if you love the blues, you will love Shack Up Inn in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Clarksdale</span>. Each room is a refurbished cabin, rugged on the outside as in by gone days, but clean, comfortable, and cozy inside. It's a great weekend getaway to listen to some authentic blues music played all over town. And spend the night in a cabin.<br /><br />Now, we can add "safe" to the description. Recently they added <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Cable-Tite</span> to the newly constructed cabins. You will notice in the photo that the cabins are sitting on piers. The owners were concerned about uplift protection from high winds and hurricanes. They contacted us and we worked out a plan for Cable-T<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">ite</span> usage to tie-down the cabins. Anchor bolts were installed into concrete beside the piers, and cable extended to the top plate. The flexibility of Cable-T<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">ite</span> makes it the only hurricane tie-down system that would meet construction codes for uplift protection.<br /><br />Visit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Clarksdale</span> and the Shack Up Inn. Stick your head under the cabins and see the Cable-T<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">ite</span> system. Hopefully, you won't need it, but just in case, you know it's there. At the Shack Up Inn or at your house.......Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Tite</span> offers peace of mind. (sorry, we don't offer "Blues")Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-7141937219920693522010-03-10T14:27:00.003-06:002010-03-10T14:36:18.959-06:00IAPMO Evaluation Report - News ReleaseIAPMO ISSUES FAVORABLE CABLE-TITE REPORT<br /><br />Gallatin, TN – On March 1, 2010 the IAPMO Certification Board issued an Evaluation Report which certifies that Cable-Tite meets the International Building Code for residential wood-frame construction in high-wind regions. IAPMO reviewed the certified Smith-Emery Laboratories test results with their engineering staff and determined that Cable-Tite’s claim as a hurricane hold-down system was true. The report, number 0170, is available to read online at <a href="http://www.cabletite.com/">www.cabletite.com</a>.<br /><br />New home builders continue to search for the most robust system for protection from uplift caused by high winds. There is a good, better, and best approach for what they choose. The metal hurricane clips are a good system that allows for minimum protection. The threaded rods offer better protection but are difficult to install. The best system is the “Cable-Tite” system that uses cables to create a continuous path from the roof to the foundation.<br /><br />“Other current methods are time consuming and expensive. Cable-Tite is an easy system to install, in about half the time, and offers better protection”, says Dale Richardson, Business Development Director at Cable-Tite. “The high-strength steel cable is attached to the top plate and held securely in place with our patented cam locking cap and nut screwed to the concrete embedded anchor bolt.”<br /><br />With the recent certification, engineers, builders, codes inspectors, and ultimately, home owners can request and use Cable-Tite Tie-Down Systems with confidence.Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-56465263908842828182010-03-01T15:24:00.005-06:002010-03-01T15:36:50.121-06:00YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YEAH!!!!!!!!!!! Today our "official" Evaluation Report came, Report #0170, and is posted on our website. It is amazing that it has taken our own in-house testing during 2008, Smith-Emery <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Laboratory</span> testing in April 2009, and further review and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">scrutiny</span> until today.....March 1, 2010 to receive an "official" response from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">IAPMO</span>, an Evaluation Service. Nevertheless, the claim that we made in the beginning has now verified. Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">tite</span> has been <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">dissected</span> many ways to get the same conclusion.....Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tite</span> is the best, most robust system for anchor tie downs of your new home to offer high wind protection typical of a hurricane over 150 MPH. It meets and exceeds all construction codes for hurricane tie-down systems in the high wind regions for uplift protection.<br /><br />Designed, tested, proven, and today.....stamped OFFICIAL!Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-42740464968672598912010-02-15T15:55:00.005-06:002010-02-15T16:11:17.019-06:00More Cable-tite 101 Tips<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/S3nDIthuGLI/AAAAAAAAANc/CIuHgZYSQn0/s1600-h/DSC_0711.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438592579453982898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/S3nDIthuGLI/AAAAAAAAANc/CIuHgZYSQn0/s320/DSC_0711.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is a Cable-tite tip for installing Cable-tite on a porch or deck or in any area that doesn't have a traditional top plate.<br /><br />In this house being built by Ronald Deutch shown at the left, there were 2 - 2x12's used to support the roof rafters. They are sitting on top of a site-built column. We drilled a 1/2" hole in the crack between the two 2x12's for the cable to install between the anchor bolts and the top plate. The problem in this case was the inability to drill a one inch hole for the cable vise to sit. The roof was already constructed and there wasn't room for a drill.<br /><br />We found two scraps of 2x4 and nailed them together. Then, drilled a one inch hole in them. They fit perfectly on top of the 2x12's and allowed the vise and steel top plate to sit properly. Once the cable was locked it was installed correctly.<br /><br />This is yet another reason Cable-tite is the preferred cable tie-down system for builders who need uplift protection from straight-line and hurricane winds in high wind zone areas. The system is flexible on site, and didn't add more than 5 minutes to the installation.Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-50794251998177615962010-01-26T15:05:00.005-06:002010-01-26T15:37:01.637-06:00Texas Hill Country<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/S19ZjR23iWI/AAAAAAAAAM8/jpLLgQAJF58/s1600-h/DSC_0677.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431158138255935842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/S19ZjR23iWI/AAAAAAAAAM8/jpLLgQAJF58/s320/DSC_0677.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><strong>80 Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">tite</span> in Texas Ranch Home</strong></div><div><br /></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><br /></div><div>Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tite</span> just completed installation of 80 high-wind tie-downs in the Texas Hill Country new home of Ronald <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Deutch</span>. Mr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Deutch</span> chose Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tite</span> for his uplift protection after <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">studying</span> several systems on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">internet</span>. This 3500+ sq ft. ranch style house sits on a hilltop and he felt he needed more than hurricane clips or threaded rods. He was glad to have a flexible cable system that adjusted easily to the framing of the house. Mr. Deutch's house far exceeds construction codes. It's encouraging to work with a person that understands the need for a safe and secure home by constructing a home much better than it "has" to be. My motto "Build Beyond Codes" and that's when Cable-tite excells.</div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/S19bT5ijPlI/AAAAAAAAANI/si5qqUbOeGE/s1600-h/DSC_0706.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431160073053486674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/S19bT5ijPlI/AAAAAAAAANI/si5qqUbOeGE/s320/DSC_0706.JPG" border="0" /></a>I worked with Carlos <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Tellez</span> and Jose of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Tellez</span> Remodeling and showed them how Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">tite</span> is installed. After approximately 30 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">mins</span>, they were able to install them on their own. When we say this is easy and quick to install, we mean it. We averaged installing one every 11 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">mins</span>. This included adding or replacing some anchor bolts. </div><div> </div><div>Thanks to everyone involved in this installation....it went GREAT, and we all enjoyed working together. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Yippee</span> Ki-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Yea</span><br /></div><div> </div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-44887165669962184492009-12-18T10:34:00.003-06:002009-12-18T10:34:00.433-06:00<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/Sypds-M6zjI/AAAAAAAAAMo/Okc1_INs59A/s1600-h/incast1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416244529059253810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/Sypds-M6zjI/AAAAAAAAAMo/Okc1_INs59A/s320/incast1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">INCAST</span> Magazine is the trade publication of the Investment Castings Industry. Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tite</span> anchor nut, cap and top plate are made using the investment casting method.</p><p>We are thrilled that the January issue has a case study on Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">tite</span> and how Precision Castings of Tennessee used investment casting to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">satisfy</span> a need in the housing industry to meet and exceed construction codes.</p><p>Please look at our NEWS page for the entire article.</p><p>And.....thank you, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">INCAST</span>!</p>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-53442344619299733842009-12-17T10:24:00.005-06:002009-12-17T10:34:16.618-06:00Dale is on Cajun Contractor's Show ....again!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/SypbeTGvPYI/AAAAAAAAAMc/68yr016qdVM/s1600-h/Dale&MikeKing.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416242077949181314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/SypbeTGvPYI/AAAAAAAAAMc/68yr016qdVM/s320/Dale%26MikeKing.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.lifestyletalkradio.com/weekend_hosts/archives/ht.shtml">http://www.lifestyletalkradio.com/weekend_hosts/archives/ht.shtml</a></div><div> </div><div>Thanks to Michael King for the excellent show and interview on Home Talk USA, Saturday Dec 12th. The show <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">archive</span> link is above. I was on the last half of the show, the second hour, if you'd like to listen. He and I talked about the need for hurricane and high wind uplift protection using Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">tite</span> to meet construction codes. He asked me about the anchor bolts and about using the tie-down system instead of cumbersome hurricane clips. This was my third <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">appearance</span> on the show.....thanks Michael for your belief in Cable-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">tite.</span></div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-81763617146302843072009-12-11T15:21:00.007-06:002009-12-11T15:36:24.114-06:00The Cajun ContractorOn December 12, 2009, Mike King, "The Cajun Contractor" will interview me on his show from 10:30-11:00 AM. This show is heard nationwide on over 350 stations and the shows are archived on the Internet at <a href="http://www.hometalkusa.com/">http://www.hometalkusa.com/</a> Michael King loves to introduce new and useful construction ideas to the marketplace. He researches the products for their claims and only invites people on his shows whose product he believes will perform.<br /><br />I met Mike several months ago when he was reviewing hurricane tie down systems and high wind storm protection. He and I talked about the benefits of Cable-tite at the New Orleans Home Show. He was impressed with the continuous tie down of the cable from the top plate to the anchor bolts.<br /><br />Saturday, Dec 12, he and I will discuss the need to use a pretension cable system rather than cumbersome threaded rods and labor intensive metal hurricane clips. Cable-tite is excellent as uplift protection in other high wind zones outside the hurricane regions. It exceeds the construction codes in all areas of the country.<br /><br />Listen in!Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-82876824063884665862009-11-17T09:06:00.005-06:002009-11-17T09:42:48.157-06:00Tax Credits<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/SwLCliAwR7I/AAAAAAAAAMI/Sand86F0pVQ/s1600/DSC_0502.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405096452838934450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/SwLCliAwR7I/AAAAAAAAAMI/Sand86F0pVQ/s320/DSC_0502.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The National Association of Home Builders (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NAHB</span>) lobbied for an extension of the "First Time Buyer New Home Tax Credit" and won!!!! The extension is through April 30, 2010. And there's a bonus to the bill. There is a tax credit for anyone who buys another home and has lived in their current one over 5 years. The first-time tax credit is $8000, and the repeat buyer tax credit is $6500.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This tax credit extension has a two-pronged affect. First, it will encourage those young first-time buyers to buy a home, either a new one or an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">existing</span> one. They might not have otherwise made this purchase. A current home owner is encouraged to move to a new home now, that might have otherwise waited. These two factors create a demand on the surplus of new homes, and will remove them from the market. There has been a "pent-up" demand for over a year, and the extension of tax credits will help release it. The tax credit will bring the supply and demand closer together, for a more even flow in 2010.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Three cheers and a tip of the hat to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">NAHB</span>!!!!! Thanks! </div>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6433922522249443288.post-49914968151935385502009-10-26T08:50:00.007-05:002009-11-17T09:44:45.400-06:00Product EXPO - October 22<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/SwK42r6dt0I/AAAAAAAAAL8/rzMjlXfOH5Q/s1600/EXPObooth2009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405085752438404930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_KrzorkF0rD4/SwK42r6dt0I/AAAAAAAAAL8/rzMjlXfOH5Q/s320/EXPObooth2009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><p>Houston - The Product EXPO at the Sam Houston Racetrack on October 22 was an excellent success. Thanks so much to all the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">GHBA</span> builders who came by and talked to me about hurricane tie downs and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Cabletite</span> system for uplift protection. Mr. Jay Conner with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MLAW</span> Engineering in Austin helped me man the booth and was also thankful for those who came by the discuss windstorm engineering.</p><p>We had some displays available for demonstration of the cable attachment to the anchor bolts and the top plate and the vise that holds the cable. There were several who asked how the cable meets construction codes for high-wind areas. With it's 3200 lb hold-down strength, it far exceeds codes requirements, and is much more robust than hurricane clips. We look forward to working with several new home builders in the Houston area in the weeks and months ahead.</p>Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15843639206828061748noreply@blogger.com0